Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices having forwardly positioned hinge lines, and associated methods

ABSTRACT

Aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices having forwardly positioned hinge lines, and associated methods are disclosed. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a wing and a trailing edge device coupled to the wing. The trailing edge device can be movable relative to the wing between a stowed position and a deployed position, with the trailing edge device having a leading edge, a trailing edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The upper surface can have an intersection point with the wing when the trailing edge device is in the stowed position. The motion of the trailing edge device relative to the wing can include rotational motion about a hinge line positioned forward of the intersection point, and a gap can be positioned between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the trailing edge device when the trailing edge device is in the deployed position.

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 12/497,493, filed Jul. 2, 2009, status allowed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed generally toward aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices having forwardly positioned hinge lines, and associated methods.

BACKGROUND

Modern high-speed aircraft generally have thin wings that provide a low drag profile during high-speed or cruise flight. The wings of these aircraft often include various movable surfaces to provide aircraft control and/or to configure the aircraft for low-speed operations (e.g., take-off and landing). For example, in addition to carrying fuel, the wings of a high-speed transport aircraft typically include aileron surfaces, spoiler surfaces, leading edge devices, and trailing edge flap surfaces. These movable surfaces are often located at or near the leading and trailing edges of the wing, and are each movable between a stowed position and a variety of deployed positions, depending upon the particular flight condition of the aircraft.

FIG. 1A is a partially schematic illustration of a portion of an aircraft 10 a (in this case, a Boeing 767 aircraft) having a fuselage 11 and a wing 20 with high lift devices configured in accordance with the prior art. The high lift devices can include deployable slats 21 positioned toward the leading edge of the wing 20, and multiple trailing edge devices positioned toward the trailing edge of the wing 20. The trailing edge devices can include an outboard aileron 34, an outboard flap 32 a, an inboard aileron 60 a, and an inboard flap 31 a. The inboard and outboard ailerons 60 a, 34 can be used generally for roll control of the aircraft 10 a, and the inboard and outboard flaps 31 a, 32 a can be used to control the lift of the aircraft 10 a at lower speeds (e.g., during take-off and landing). The ailerons 60 a, 34 are simple hinged devices that are ungapped when in their deployed positions. Conversely, when the inboard and outboard flaps 31 a, 32 a are deployed, they move in an aft direction to open a gap relative to the wing 20. This aft motion is shown schematically by motion paths 41 a and 42 a, respectively. Because the inboard flap motion path 41 a converges with the outboard flap motion path 42 a, the inboard aileron 60 a located between the inboard flap 31 a and the outboard flap 32 a does not move aft when deployed (as indicated by motion path 43 a) so as to avoid interference with the adjacent flaps 31 a, 32 a.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional illustration of the inboard aileron 60 a, illustrating the location of a hinge line 61 about which the inboard aileron 60 a pivots relative to the wing 20. Because the hinge line 61 is located toward the front of the inboard aileron 60 a and within the contour of the inboard aileron 60 a, a gap does not open between the inboard aileron 60 a and the wing when the inboard aileron 60 a deflects either upwardly or downwardly. Instead, the leading edge 71 of the inboard aileron 60 a remains in close proximity to an aft-facing cove 37 of the wing 20.

FIG. 1C is a partially schematic illustration of a portion of another aircraft 10 b (in this case, a Boeing 777 aircraft) having a fuselage 11 and a wing 20 with high lift devices configured in accordance with another prior art arrangement. The trailing edge devices can include an inboard flap 31 b, an outboard flap 32 b, and a flaperon 60 b, all of which can travel aft during deployment to open corresponding gaps relative to the wing 20. Accordingly, the inboard flap 31 b can travel aft along an inboard flap motion path 41 b, and the outboard flap 32 b can move along a generally parallel outboard flap motion path 42 b. Because the inboard and outboard flap motion paths 41 b, 42 b are generally parallel, the flaperon 60 b can also move aft to a gapped position along a flaperon motion path 43 b that is generally parallel to the inboard and outboard flap motion paths 41 b, 42 b. Inboard spoilers 51 and outboard spoilers 52 can be used as speed brakes and/or to control the size of the gap between the wing 20 and the flaps 31 b, 32 b.

An advantage of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1C when compared with the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is that the aft motion of the flaperon 60 b can allow it to be deployed to greater deflections without causing flow separations, by virtue of the gap that opens between the flaperon 60 b and the wing 20. Accordingly, the flaperon 60 b can be operated at high deflection rates for roll control, and at high deflection angles for lift control. However, a potential drawback with this arrangement is that complex mechanisms are typically required to deploy the flaperon 60 b to its aft configuration, particularly if the mechanism is configured to fit within a shallow wing section, so as to reduce the size of external fairings. On the other hand, simple mechanisms (e.g., a simple hinge), tend to extend well beyond the contours of the wing section, which requires relatively large, heavy hinge supports and associated fairings that generate drag. Accordingly, there is a need for improved, lightweight trailing edge devices.

SUMMARY

The following summary is provided for the benefit of the reader only, and is not intended to limit in any way the invention as set forth by the claims. An aircraft system in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a wing and a trailing edge device coupled to the wing, with the trailing edge device being movable relative to the wing between a stowed position and a deployed position. The trailing edge device can have a leading edge, a trailing edge, an upper surface, and a lower surface, with the upper surface having an intersection point with the wing when the trailing edge device is in the stowed position. The motion of the trailing edge device relative to the wing can include rotational motion about a hinge line positioned forward of the intersection point, and an airflow gap can be positioned between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the trailing edge device when the trailing edge device is in the deployed position.

In further particular aspects, the hinge line can include a first hinge line, and the wing can include a spoiler positioned forward of the trailing edge device, with the spoiler being pivotable relative to the wing about a second hinge line. The intersection point can be located at a point where the spoiler and the upper surface of the trailing edge device meet.

In still further aspects, the deployed position can include a first deployed position in which the trailing edge device is deflected downwardly relative to the stowed position, and the trailing edge device can be movable to a second deployed position in which the trailing edge device is deflected upwardly relative to the stowed position. For example, the trailing edge can be rotatable upwardly relative to the stowed position through an angle of up to 30°. When in the stowed position, the trailing edge can be overlapped by a portion of the wing (e.g., the spoiler) by 20% or less of the chord length of the trailing edge device.

Further aspects are directed to a method for operating an aircraft wing. One such method can include moving a wing trailing edge device from a stowed position to a deployed position by rotating the trailing edge device about a hinge line located forward of an intersection point between the trailing edge device and the wing, so as to open an airflow gap between the wing and a leading edge of the trailing edge device. The method can further include allowing freestream air to pass through the gap while the trailing edge device is in the deployed position. In further particular aspects, flow surfaces of the trailing edge device exposed to the freestream flow adjacent to the wing are generally rigid, and moving the trailing edge device does not include changing a shape of the flow surfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate aircraft wings configured in accordance with the prior art.

FIG. 2 is an isometric illustration of an aircraft having a wing with trailing edge devices configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, top plan view of one of wings shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the wing shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4B illustrates trailing edge devices of the wing shown in FIG. 4A at stowed and deployed positions.

FIGS. 5A-5C are schematic side illustrations of an intermediate trailing edge device in stowed and deflected positions in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5D is a graph illustrating hinge point locations, non-dimensionalized by trailing edge device chord length, and located relative to an intersection between the wing and the trailing edge device in accordance with several embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 6A-6C are partially schematic, side elevation views of the intermediate trailing edge device shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, illustrating further features of this device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure describes aircraft trailing edge devices, including devices with non-parallel motion paths, and associated methods. Several specific details of the invention are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 2-6C to provide a thorough understanding of certain embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art, however, will understand that the present invention may have additional embodiments, and that other embodiments of the invention may be practiced without several of the specific features described below.

FIG. 2 is a partially schematic, isometric illustration of an aircraft 210 having a fuselage 211 and wings 220 outfitted with trailing edge devices 230 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The aircraft 210 can further include an empennage 212 that carries horizontal stabilizers 213 and a vertical stabilizer 215. The horizontal stabilizers 213 can carry elevators 214, and the vertical stabilizer 215 can carry a rudder 216. The aircraft 210 can be controlled by activating the trailing edge devices 230, the elevators 214, and the rudder 216 under the direction of a control system 217 (shown schematically in FIG. 2). Further details of the trailing edge devices 230 are described below with reference to FIGS. 3-6C.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the left wing 220 of the aircraft 210 initially described above with reference to FIG. 2. The wing 220 can include deployable leading edge devices, such as slats 221, located at or proximate to a leading edge 222 of the wing 220. The trailing edge devices 230 are located aft of the leading edge 222 and form a composite trailing edge 280. The trailing edge devices 230 can include an aileron 234 positioned toward the outboard extremity of the wing 220, an inboard trailing edge device 231 (e.g., an inboard flap) positioned toward the inboard extremity of the wing 220, an outboard trailing edge device 232 (e.g., an outboard flap), and an intermediate trailing edge device 260 (e.g., a flaperon) positioned between the inboard and outboard trailing edge devices 231, 232. Each of the trailing edge devices 230 can be moved relative to the wing 220 between a stowed position (shown in FIG. 3) and one or more deployed positions. In one aspect of this embodiment, the aileron 234 does not form a gap relative to the wing 220 when the aileron 234 is deployed, while the inboard, outboard and intermediate trailing edge devices 231, 232, 260 do. The motions of the inboard, outboard and intermediate trailing edge devices (collectively referred to as “gapped trailing edge devices 238”) are described in greater detail below.

The inboard trailing edge device 231 can move along a first motion path 241, the outboard trailing edge device 232 can move along a second motion path 242, and the intermediate trailing edge device 260 can move along a third motion path 243. Each motion path may be purely rotational when viewed from the side of the aircraft 210, or may be a combination of rotation and translation. In either case, components of each motion path carry the corresponding gapped trailing device 238 aft and downward relative to the wing 220, thereby opening a gap between the wing 220 and the trailing edge device 238. The first motion path 241 can be oriented at a first angle A1 relative to the longitudinal axis 223 of the aircraft. In a particular aspect of an embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the first angle A1 can have a value of approximately zero degrees. The second motion path 242 can be oriented at an angle A2 relative to the longitudinal axis 223, and the third motion path 243 can be oriented at an angle A3 that has a value between A1 and A2. Accordingly, the motion paths 241, 242, and 243 converge toward each other in an aft direction.

The wing 220 can further include spoilers 250 positioned proximate to the gapped trailing edge devices 238. The spoilers 250 can include outboard spoilers 252, inboard spoilers 251, and an intermediate spoiler 253. The spoilers 250 can be deployed in concert with the gapped trailing edge devices 238 to provide for further control of the airflow adjacent to the trailing edge gaps. The spoilers 250 can also be deployed independently of the motion of the gapped trailing edge devices 238, for example, to provide a speed brake function. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, each of the spoilers 250 is a simple hinged device that rotates downwardly and upwardly relative to the wing 220 (e.g., in the manner of standard aileron). Downward rotation can be accomplished without opening an additional gap relative to the wing 220, and upward rotation may create a small gap. The trailing edges of the spoilers 250 can be aligned to form a generally monotonic profile both when the spoilers 250 are in their stowed positions (as shown in FIG. 3) and also when the spoilers 250 are deployed downwardly.

FIG. 4A is a top plan view of a portion of the wing 220 shown in FIG. 3, approximately centered on the intermediate trailing edge device 260. The wing 220 can include a rear spar 290, with the wing fuel volume located forward of the rear spar 290, and the gapped trailing edge devices 238 located aft of the rear spar 290. Each of the gapped trailing edge devices 238 can include at least one actuator for moving the trailing edge devices between their stowed and deployed positions. Accordingly, the inboard trailing edge device 231 can be coupled to an inboard actuator 244. The outboard trailing edge device 232 can be coupled to an outboard actuator 245, and the intermediate trailing edge device 260 can be coupled to an intermediate actuator 265. For purposes of illustration, a single actuator is shown coupled to each of the gapped trailing edge devices 238, but it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art that each device 238 may be coupled to a multiple actuators in other embodiments. In any of these embodiments, if the intermediate trailing edge device 260 is used for roll control (in addition to low-speed lift augmentation), while the inboard and outboard trailing edge devices 231, 232 are used generally only for low-speed lift augmentation, then the intermediate actuator 265 can have a higher maximum actuation rate than that of the inboard actuator 244 and/or the outboard actuator 245. Accordingly, the intermediate actuator 265 can provide response times appropriate for performing aileron functions.

Each of the gapped trailing edge devices 238 can include a leading edge positioned close to the wing 220, and a distal trailing edge. Accordingly, the inboard trailing edge device 231 can include a first leading edge 271 and a first trailing edge 281. The outboard trailing edge device 232 can include a second leading edge 272 and a second trailing edge 282. The intermediate trailing edge device 260 can include a third leading edge 273 and a third trailing edge 283. The leading edges 271, 272 and 273 can form a composite device leading edge 270, and the trailing edges 281, 282 and 283 can form the composite trailing edge 280. In a particular aspect of this embodiment, each of the gapped trailing edge devices 238 can undergo purely rotational motion by rotating about a hinge line that is generally parallel to the corresponding leading edge. Accordingly, the first motion path 241 can be generally normal to the first leading edge 271, the second motion path 242 can be generally normal to the second leading edge 272, and the third motion path 243 can be generally normal to the third leading edge 273.

When the gapped trailing edge devices 238 are in their stowed positions (as shown in FIG. 4A), the corresponding trailing edges 281, 282, 283 can form a generally continuous composite trailing edge 280 that defines a monotonically varying function. In this configuration, the leading edges 271, 272, and 273 can be located beneath the corresponding spoilers 251, 252 and 253, respectively, as indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 4A. The leading edges 271, 272, 273 can each be swept by successively greater angles (in a spanwise direction) relative to a lateral axis 224 of the wing 220. Accordingly, the first leading edge 271 can be swept by a first angle L1, the second leading edge 272 can be swept by an angle L2, and the third leading edge 273 can be swept by an angle L3 that is between L1 and L2. As is also shown in FIG. 4A, the first, second and third leading edges 271, 272, and 273 can be stepped relative to each other when the gapped trailing edge devices 238 are in their stowed positions. This is not expected to have an adverse aerodynamic consequence because the leading edges are positioned beneath the corresponding spoilers when the gapped trailing edge devices 238 are in their stowed positions.

FIG. 4B is an enlarged, schematic illustration of the portion of the wing 220 shown in FIG. 4A, with the gapped trailing edge devices 238 shown in stowed and selected deployed positions. The general outlines of the gapped devices 238 are shown in solid lines when the devices are stowed, dashed lines when the devices are partially deployed (corresponding to a take-off setting), and phantom lines when the devices are fully deployed (corresponding to a landing setting). As described above, when the gapped devices 238 are in the stowed positions, the trailing edges 281, 282, and 283 form a composite trailing edge 280 that has a generally monotonically varying function. Although there may be small spaces between the sides of adjacent devices 238, the overall composite trailing edge 280 does not include significant steps. Conversely, the composite leading edge 270 (formed by the first leading edge 271, the second leading edge 272, and the third leading edge 273) is stepped and does not form a generally monotonically varying function. As the gapped trailing edge devices 238 move from their stowed positions to their deployed positions, the composite trailing edge 280 becomes more stepped, and the composite leading edge 270 becomes less stepped. For example, as shown by dashed lines in FIG. 4B, when the gapped trailing edge devices 238 are in a partially deployed position (indicated by dashed lines), the leading edges 271, 272, and 273 are more closely aligned with each other, while the trailing edges 281, 282, and 283 depart from a generally monotonically varying composite trailing edge 280. When the gapped trailing edge devices 238 move to their fully deployed positions (as indicated by phantom lines in FIG. 4B), the composite leading edge 270 can describe a generally monotonically varying function, while the composite trailing edge 280 is stepped. Accordingly, while spaces may exist between the edges of adjacent gapped trailing edge devices 238 at the composite leading edge 270, the overall contour of the composite leading edge 270 is generally monotonic and unstepped.

One feature of an arrangement of the gapped trailing edge devices 238 in accordance with several embodiments of the invention is that all three of the devices 238 can form aerodynamic gaps when moved to their deployed positions. An advantage of this arrangement is that the devices 238 can be deployed to greater deflection angles than would be possible if the devices were not gapped, which can in turn provide for greater aircraft control and reduced aircraft landing speeds.

Another feature of at least some of the foregoing embodiments is that they can include an intermediate, gapped trailing edge device 260 that has a generally trapezoidal planform shape and that is positioned between two additional gapped trailing edge devices 231, 232. The trapezoidal shape can allow the intermediate trailing edge device 260 to be fit between an inboard trailing edge device 231 located at a portion of the wing 220 that has little or no sweep, and an outboard trailing edge 232 device located at a portion of the wing 220 that has a significant sweep angle. In addition, the intermediate trailing edge device 260 can move aft relative to the wing 220 along a motion path that is aligned between the motion paths of the inboard and outboard trailing edge devices 231, 232. This arrangement allows the intermediate trailing edge device 260 to move downwardly and in some case, aft (by at least a short distance), without interfering with the inboard and outboard trailing edge devices 231,232, which are also moving aft. As a result, the intermediate trailing edge device 260 can form a gap relative to the wing 220, which increases its effectiveness at high deflection angles without causing interference with the adjacent devices. The overall effect of this arrangement is that it can make increased use of the trailing edge devices 238 when compared with existing trailing edge device arrangements.

Still another feature of at least some embodiments of the foregoing arrangements is that they can include trailing edge devices having the forward 20% (or less) covered by spoilers or other portions of the wing when the trailing edge devices are stowed. An advantage of this arrangement is that it can require less aftward movement to open a suitable gap between the wing and the trailing edge device when the trailing edge device is deployed.

FIGS. 5A-5C schematically illustrate the intermediate trailing edge device 260, including features that can increase the ease with which the trailing edge device 260 is integrated with the adjacent trailing edge devices 231, 232 described above. Referring first to FIG. 5A, the intermediate trailing edge device 260 can have a hinge point 261 that is located forward of the third leading edge 273 by a distance F. The hinge point 261 can also be located below both an upper surface 269 and a lower surface 268 of the intermediate trailing edge device 260. In a particular embodiment, the hinge point 261 is located a distance D below the lower surface 268. In other embodiments, the location of the hinge point 261 can be identified with reference to an intersection point I between a portion of the wing 220 and the upper surface 269 of the intermediate trailing edge device 260. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the intersection point I can be at the aft-most point of the intermediate spoiler 253, and in other embodiments (e.g., those in which the wing 220 does not include a spoiler at this location), the intersection point I can be at another portion of the wing 220. In any of these embodiments, the hinge point 261 can be located a distance D1 beneath the intersection point I, and a distance F1 forward of the intersection point I.

By locating the hinge point 261 forward of the leading edge 273 (and/or the intersection point I), and at a relatively shallow depth D (or D1) below the intermediate trailing edge device 260, the motion of the intermediate trailing edge device 260 when it deploys can be less likely to interfere with the motion of adjacent trailing edge devices. In particular, this arrangement can allow a significant portion of the movement of the intermediate trailing edge device 260 to be downward (in addition to being aftward) when it is deployed (as shown in FIG. 5B). For example, in this arrangement, the leading edge 273 of the intermediate trailing edge device 260 can move downwardly by a significant margin as a result of the hinge point 261 being positioned forward relative to the leading edge 273. This is unlike many existing trailing edge devices which have hinge points located at or behind the leading edge. An advantage of this arrangement is that the intermediate trailing edge device 260 can form an aerodynamically significant gap 262 while moving along an intermediate flap motion path 243 (shown in FIG. 3) that does not interfere with the motion of adjacent trailing edge devices.

The surfaces of the intermediate trailing edge device 260 (e.g., the lower surface 268 and the upper surface 269) can be generally rigid in at least one embodiment, and accordingly do not change shape significantly when the intermediate trailing edge device 260 is deployed. This is unlike some other trailing edge devices that change shape during deployment. In one aspect of this embodiment the position of the hinge point 261 can allow the intermediate trailing edge device 260 to open the gap 262 when deployed, without the need for flexible flow surfaces.

The size of the gap 262 can be controlled at least in part by the intermediate spoiler 253. The intermediate spoiler 253 can rotate about a spoiler hinge point 254, and can follow (at least in part) the motion of the trailing edge device 260 when the trailing edge device 260 is deflected downwardly (as shown in FIG. 5B). When the trailing edge device 260 is deflected upwardly (as shown in FIG. 5C), the spoiler 253 can also follow this motion in such a manner as to eliminate or nearly eliminate the gap 262. Accordingly, the spoiler 253 can follow a motion path that nearly seals it against the trailing edge device 260, without causing the spoiler 253 to actually rub against the trailing edge device 260. In other embodiments, such rubbing can be permitted so long as it does not damage either the spoiler 253 or the trailing edge device 260. This arrangement can allow the trailing edge device 260 to be deflected upwardly for roll control and/or wing load alleviation. The intermediate spoiler 253 can also be operated independently of the trailing edge device 260 (as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 5A), to act as a spoiler and/or speed brake. In particular embodiments, the trailing edge device 260 can be deflected upwardly by at least 10° relative to the stowed position, and in further particular embodiments, the trailing edge device 260 can be deflected upwardly by up to 30°.

As discussed above with reference to FIG. 4A, the intermediate spoiler 253 can overlap the intermediate trailing edge device 260 when both elements are in their respective stowed positions. In a particular embodiment, the overlap distance 0 (shown in FIG. 5A) can be 20% or less of the chord length C (FIG. 5A) of the intermediate trailing edge device 260. An advantage of an embodiment of this arrangement is that the intermediate trailing edge device 260 need not move aft by a significant amount in order to move away from the intermediate spoiler 253 and open a gap.

In particular embodiments, the distances F1 and D1 described above with reference to FIG. 5A can have specific ranges of values, when non-dimensionalized relative to each other and/or relative to the chord length C of the intermediate trailing edge device 260. For example, FIG. 5D illustrates representative hinge points 261 plotted on a non-dimensional grid. Point I (the origin) identifies the intersection point between the wing 220 and the upper surface 269 of the intermediate trailing edge device 260. The x-scale identifies the fore/aft location of the hinge points 261, non-dimensionalized by the chord length C of the intermediate trailing edge device 260. The y-scale identifies the upward/downward location of the hinge points 261, also non-dimensionalized by the chord length C. Hinge points 261 in accordance with particular aspects of the invention are located forward of and above line 259. Accordingly, these hinge points 261 can be described as being forward of and above a series of line segments passing through x, y coordinates (0.05, −0.05), (0.1, −0.2), (0.2, −0.3), (0.5, −0.4) and (1.0, −0.5) identified as points 258 a-258 e, respectively.

Returning to FIG. 5A, the rear spar 290 can be positioned relatively far forward of the intermediate trailing edge device 260. For example, the rear spar 290 can be positioned a distance S forward of the third leading edge 273. A ratio of S to local streamwise chord length C can have a value of about 0.5. In some cases, this ratio can be higher as well. While this ratio can apply to the intermediate trailing edge device 260 (and in particular, the outboard edge of the intermediate trailing edge device 260), it can also apply to the outboard trailing edge device 232 shown in FIG. 3, at any point along the span of that device.

The foregoing ratio (e.g., as applied to the outboard trailing edge device 232) is unlike many existing arrangements in which the ratio of S/C varies from about 0.2 to about 0.32. An advantage of an embodiment of the arrangement shown in FIG. 5A is that it can accommodate a forward location of the hinge point 261 (and associated actuation mechanisms) without significantly impacting overall fuel volume. This in turn can improve the integration of the outboard trailing edge device 232.

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate further details of the operation of the intermediate trailing edge device 260. FIG. 6A illustrates the intermediate trailing edge device 260 in its stowed position. In addition to the components described above, the aircraft wing 220 can include a lower cove door 263 that controls airflow along the lower surface of the trailing edge device 260. As shown in FIG. 6B, the intermediate trailing edge device 260 has been moved to a lower deployed position to open the gap 262 between the leading edge 273 and the wing 220. Accordingly, the actuator 265 drives an actuator link 266 aft to move the intermediate trailing edge device 260 along its motion path 243. The lower cove door 263 can be mechanically linked to the coupling between the actuator 265 and the intermediate trailing edge device 260 to rotate out of the way and open the gap 262, allowing air (indicated by arrow A) to flow through. The intermediate spoiler 253 can also be mechanically linked to the motion of the intermediate trailing edge device 260 to rotate downwardly and control the size of the gap 262. In other embodiments, the motion of the lower cove door 263 and/or the intermediate spoiler 253 can be controlled in other fashions, for example, by an independent hydraulic or electric control system. FIG. 6C illustrates the intermediate trailing edge device 260 and the intermediate spoiler 253 deflected upwardly, for example, while performing a roll control or wing load alleviation function. As is also shown in FIG. 6C, making the depth of the hinge 261 relatively shallow can reduce or eliminate the need for a large or otherwise extensive fairing at the lower surface of the wing 220. The combination of a gapped trailing edge device with a drooped spoiler can improve both the aerodynamic performance of the high lift system and the wing in which it is installed.

In a particular embodiment, the arrangement shown in FIGS. 6A-6C can include a cam track 291 and associated linkage that attach the intermediate spoiler 253 to the intermediate trailing edge device 260, controlling the gap 262 between the two devices. By tailoring the contour of the cam surfaces of the cam track 291, the position of the intermediate spoiler 253 relative to the intermediate trailing edge device 260 (including the gap 262) can be specified with a high degree of accuracy throughout the entire range of motion. The cam track 291 can add specific advantages over other embodiments, such as hydraulic or electric actuators, or a bellcrank mechanism. For example, actuators (hydraulic or electric) may be heavier, and/or more costly, than the cam track 291. A bell crank, though similar in weight and reliability to the cam track 291, typically does not match the flexibility and adaptability of the cam track 291 to manage the gap 262. In a particular aspect of an embodiment shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, the cam track 291 can improve the ability of the spoiler 253 to fair to the intermediate trailing edge device 260 in the retracted position. The cam track 291 can also aid in setting the gap 262 at a certain value for given down positions of the intermediate trailing edge device 260 (e.g., a takeoff position and a landing position). The cam track 291 can also provide control for specific movement patterns. For example, when the intermediate trailing edge device 260 moves down from the cruise (retracted) position, the cam track 291 can be shaped so that the spoiler 253 “dwells,” allowing the gap 262 to increase quickly as the intermediate trailing edge device 260 moves down. Similarly, as the intermediate trailing edge device 260 moves up from the cruise (retracted) position, the spoiler 253 can quickly move upwards, to clear the rising intermediate trailing edge device 260.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the invention. For example, in some embodiments, the intermediate trailing edge device can be installed between inboard and outboard trailing edge devices and can have a gapped deployed configuration that is driven by arrangements other than those shown in the Figures. The trailing edge devices, including the intermediate trailing edge device, can be deployed to control a spanwise lift distribution over the wing. Motion of the trailing edge devices in several embodiments includes rotational motion. In at least some embodiments, the motion of the trailing edge devices can also include other motions (e.g., linear motions). Aspects of the invention described in context of particular embodiments may be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. For example, aspects of the invention described in the context of three gapped trailing edge devices can be extended to a greater number of gapped trailing edge devices in other embodiments. Further, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the invention have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited, except as by the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. A method for controlling a surface of an aircraft, comprising: moving an intermediate control surface trailing edge device, the control surface trailing edge device including a control surface, from a stowed position to a deployed position by rotating the trailing edge device about a hinge line located forward of an intersection point between an upper surface of the trailing edge device and the control surface so as to open an airflow gap between a leading edge of the trailing edge device and the control surface; allowing freestream air to pass through the gap while the trailing edge device is in the deployed position, wherein the trailing edge device has a trailing edge, a chord length C between the leading edge and the trailing edge, and an external surface that includes the upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the intersection point between the trailing edge device and the surface results when the trailing edge device is in the stowed position; and moving an inboard trailing edge device located at a portion of the wing that has a minimal sweep angle and an outboard trailing edge device located at a portion of the wing having a significant sweep angle with the intermediate control surface, the moving including a stowed position, a partially deployed position, and a fully deployed position, wherein the intermediate trailing edge device, the inboard trailing edge device, and the outboard trailing edge device comprise a composite trailing edge and a composite leading edge, the moving configured such that as the intermediate trailing edge device, the inboard trailing edge device, and the outboard trailing edge device move from the stowed position to the partially deployed position to the fully deployed position, the composite trailing edge becomes successively more stepped and the composite leading edge becomes successively less stepped.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein rotating the intermediate trailing edge device includes rotating the trailing edge device about a hinge line located forward of the leading edge of the trailing edge device.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein moving the intermediate trailing edge device includes rotating the trailing edge device downwardly from the stowed position, and wherein the method further comprises rotating the trailing edge device upwardly from the stowed position.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising actively controlling a rolling motion of the aircraft by deflecting the trailing edge device.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising actively controlling a spanwise lift distribution over the control surface by deflecting the trailing edge device.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the intermediate trailing edge device has a device chord length, and wherein the method further comprises stowing the trailing edge device by positioning the trailing edge device with the control surface overlapping the trailing edge device by 20% or less of the device chord length.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein flow surfaces of the intermediate trailing edge device exposed to the freestream flow adjacent to the control surface are generally rigid, and wherein moving the trailing edge device does not include a changing a shape of the surfaces.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the control surface includes a spoiler and wherein opening an airflow gap includes opening an airflow gap between the leading edge of the trailing edge device and the spoiler.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the moving the intermediate trailing edge device includes moving the trailing edge device along a path that converges toward a neighboring trailing edge device of the control surface, and wherein rotating the trailing edge device includes rotating the trailing edge device about a hinge line positioned outside an external surface of the trailing edge device.
 10. A method for controlling an aircraft, comprising: moving an intermediate element surface trailing edge device, the intermediate element surface trailing edge device having a surface, from a stowed position to a deployed position by rotating the trailing edge device about a hinge line that is located (a) outside an external contour of the trailing edge device, and (b) forward of an intersection point between an upper surface of the trailing edge device and the surface so as to open an airflow gap between a leading edge of the trailing edge device and the surface, wherein the airflow gap is a single airflow gap between the trailing edge device and the surface at a given spanwise location of the surface; and allowing freestream air to pass though the gap while the trailing edge device is in the deployed position, wherein the trailing edge device has a trailing edge, a chord length C between the leading edge and the trailing edge, and an external surface that includes the upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the intersection point between the trailing edge device and the surface results when the trailing edge device is in the stowed position, and moving the intermediate, gapped trailing edge device with an inboard trailing edge device located at a portion of the wing that has a minimal sweep angle and an outboard trailing edge device located at a portion of the wing having a significant sweep angle, the moving including a stowed position, a partially deployed position, and a fully deployed position, wherein the intermediate trailing edge device, the inboard trailing edge device, and the outboard trailing edge device comprise a composite trailing edge and a composite leading edge, the moving configured such that as the intermediate trailing edge device, the inboard trailing edge device, and the outboard trailing edge device move from the stowed position to the partially deployed position to the fully deployed position, the composite trailing edge becomes successively more stepped and the composite leading edge becomes successively less stepped .
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the moving the trailing edge device includes moving the trailing edge device along a path that converges toward a neighboring trailing edge device of the surface, and wherein rotating the trailing edge device includes rotating the trailing edge device about a hinge line positioned outside an external surface of the trailing edge device.
 12. A method for providing aerodynamic control of an aircraft, comprising: moving an intermediate single element trailing edge device of a control surface from a stowed position to a deployed position by rotating the trailing edge device about a hinge line that is located (a) outside an external contour of the trailing edge device, and (b) forward of an intersection point between an upper surface of the trailing edge device and the control surface so as to open an airflow gap between a leading edge of the trailing edge device and the control surface, wherein the airflow gap is a single airflow gap between the trailing edge device and the control surface at a given spanwise location of the control surface; and allowing freestream air to pass though the gap while the trailing edge device is in the deployed position, wherein the trailing edge device has a trailing edge, a chord length C between the leading edge and the trailing edge, and an external surface that includes the upper surface and a lower surface, and wherein the intersection point between the trailing edge device and the surface results when the trailing edge device is in the stowed position, and moving an inboard trailing edge device located at a portion of the wing that has a minimal sweep angle and an outboard trailing edge device located at a portion of the wing having a significant sweep angle with the intermediate trailing edge device, the moving including a stowed position, a partially deployed position, and a fully deployed position, wherein the intermediate trailing edge device, the inboard trailing edge device, and the outboard trailing edge device comprise a composite trailing edge and a composite leading edge, the moving configured such that as the intermediate trailing edge device, the inboard trailing edge device, and the outboard trailing edge device move from the stowed position to the partially deployed position to the fully deployed position, the composite trailing edge becomes successively more stepped and the composite leading edge becomes successively less stepped.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein the moving the trailing edge device includes moving the trailing edge device along a path that converges toward a neighboring trailing edge device of the control surface, and wherein rotating the trailing edge device includes rotating the trailing edge device about a hinge line positioned outside an external surface of the trailing edge device. 